Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $31.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working in Paducah, KY runs $31.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,131 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, the prevailing hourly rate for a medical and clinical laboratory technologist is projected to be $31.36, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.05. This figure is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in local healthcare settings; working three days a week could lead to substantial take-home pay that aligns with workers' needs for flexibility. The hourly range for this profession in Paducah varies considerably, starting at $19.96 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $41.81 for the highest earners, as indicated by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. These estimates reflect the diverse earning potential within this critical healthcare role, allowing workers to evaluate options based on their specific work-life balance priorities.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.96 | $159.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.54 | $188.36 |
| Median (P50) | $31.36 | $250.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.54 | $324.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.81 | $334.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $31.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.36/hr, a medical and clinical laboratory technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $65,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,626. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.20 | $5,435 | $65,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.52 | $3,261 | $39,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.68 | $2,174 | $26,087 |
Compare MLS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist (Paducah) | $31.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Cytotechnologist (National Avg) | $40.35 |
| Histotechnologist (National Avg) | $30.58 |
| Microbiologist (National Avg) | $41.56 |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paducah, KY earn a median of $65,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% lower than the national median of $68,734.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.36/hr = $39,131/year (purchasing power: $45,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,219/year (purchasing power: $75,762).
CoL index: 86.084 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paducah grew 18.5% from $25.69/hr (2019) to $30.43/hr (2025). At a 3.04% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical and clinical laboratory technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paducah metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.04% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Paducah
When considering the long-term earning potential in the field, part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists could expect to net a lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts; for instance, working a 24-hour week translates to approximately $43,705 annually. Given the nature of this profession, many professionals also explore per-diem opportunities, which often offer a pay premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates. In Paducah, compensation can fluctuate based on employer type, as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics often have differing pay structures. Some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those aiming to negotiate their hourly rate, it's crucial to understand the local job market and available positions, enabling medical and clinical laboratory technologists to advocate for salaries that reflect their expertise and the demands of this rewarding career.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paducah in 2026?
How much do part-time medical and clinical laboratory technologists make in Paducah?
Are medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paducah paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist make per year in Paducah?
Do medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Paducah?
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Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Paducah. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov